Vitamin C – (Ascorbic Acid)
Vitamin C also known as, ascorbic acid,
L-ascorbic acid, dehydroascorbic acid, the antiscorbutic
vitamin, L-xyloascorbic acid and L-threo-hex-2-uronic acidy-lactone,
is a much talked about vitamin, with people claiming it
as a cure-all for may diseases and problems - from cancer
to the common cold.
Yet, this miracle vitamin cannot be manufactured by the
body, and needs to be ingested.
Vitamin C is required in the synthesis of
collagen in connective tissue, neurotransmitters, steroid
hormones, carnitine, conversion of cholesterol to bile acids
and enhances iron bioavailability. Ascorbic acid is a great
antioxidant and helps protect the body against pollutants.
Because vitamin C is a biological reducing
agent, it is also linked to prevention of degenerative diseases
- such as cataracts, certain cancers and cardiovascular
diseases.
Ascorbic acid also promotes healthy cell
development, proper calcium absorption, normal tissue growth
and repair - such as healing of wounds and burns. It assists
in the prevention of blood clotting and bruising, and strengthening
the walls of the capillaries.
Vitamin C is needed for healthy gums, to
help protect against infection, and assisting with clearing
up infections and is thought to enhance the immune system
and help reduce cholesterol levels, high blood pressure
and preventing arteriosclerosis.
Deficiency of vitamin C
When there is a shortage of Vitamin C, various
problems can arise, although scurvy is the only disease
clinically treated with vitamin C. However, a shortage of
vitamin C may result in "pinpoint" hemorrhages
under the skin and a tendency to bruise easily, poor wound
healing, soft and spongy bleeding gums and loose teeth.
Edema (water retention) also happens with
a shortage of vitamin C, and weakness, a lack of energy,
poor digestion, painful joints and bronchial infection and
colds are also indicative of an under-supply.
(see below for HIGH DOSE
VITAMIN C THERAPY)
Vitamin A (Retinol)
Vitamin A and carotene can be obtained from
either animal or vegetable sources. The animal form is divided
between retinol and dehydroretinol whereas the vegetable
carotene can be split into four very potent groups - alpha-carotene,
beta-carotene, gamma-carotene and crypto-carotene. With
enough beta-carotene available in the body, the body can
manufacture its own vitamin A.
Vitamin A is required for night vision,
and for a healthy skin. It assists the immune system, and
because of its antioxidant properties is great to protect
against pollution and cancer formation and other diseases.
It also assists your sense of taste as well as helping the
digestive and urinary tract and many believe that it helps
slow aging.
It is required for development and maintenance
of the epithelial cells, in the mucus membranes, and your
skin, and is important in the formation of bone and teeth,
storage of fat and the synthesis of protein and glycogen.
Deficiency of vitamin A
A deficiency of vitamin A may lead to eye
problems with dryness of the conjunctiva and cornea, dry
skin and hair, night blindness as well as poor growth.Dry
itchy eyes that tire easily are normally a warning of too
little vitamin A. If the deficiency become severe, the cornea
can ulcerate and permanent blindness can follow.
Abscesses forming in the ear, sinusitis,
frequent cold and respiratory infections as well as skin
disorders, such as acne, boils and a bumpy skin, as well
as weight loss might be indicative of the vitamin being
in short supply.
Insomnia, fatigue and reproductive difficulties may also
be indicative of the vitamin in short supply. Your hair
and scalp can also become dry with a deficiency, especially
if protein is also lacking.
Vitamin D – (Ergocalciferol)
Vitamin D is also referred to as calciferol
and can rightly be called the sunshine vitamin, since the
body, in a sunny climate can manufacture this nutrient from
sunshine on your skin using cholesterol from your body to
do so.
Vitamin D helps with increasing the absorption
of calcium, assists in bone growth and the integrity of
bone and promotes strong teeth.
It also helps regulate the amount of phosphorus in the body
as well as assisting in a healthy heart and nervous system.
In some recent studies it has also shown great promise in
assisting psoriasis, the immune system, thyroid function
as well as normal blood clotting.
Deficiency of vitamin D
A shortage can lead to softening of the
bone and muscle twitching and convulsions, and in children
it causes rickets - resulting in bent legs. In adults, the
shortage causes loss of minerals from the bones, (osteomalacia)
where the bones are sore, tender, and weak muscles with
the possibility of deafness developing. In older people,
osteoporosis may appear when protein is also lost from the
bone. Vitamin D in short supply is also linked to having
a burning sensation in the mouth and throat, diarrhea, insomnia
and visual problems.
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)
Thiamin, also called vitamin B1, is used
in many different body functions and deficiencies may have
far reaching effects on the body, yet very little of this
vitamin is stored in the body, and depletion of this vitamin
can happen within 14 days.
Thiamin is also a miraculous nutrient, somebody suffering
from beriberi, scarcely able to lift their head from their
pillow, will respond quickly from injected thiamin, and
will be on their feet within a matter of hours.
Thiamin may enhance circulation, helps with
blood formation and the metabolism of carbohydrates. It
is also required for the health of the nervous system and
is used in the biosynthesis of a number of cell constituents,
including the neurotransmitter acetylcholine and gamma-aminobutyric
acid (GABA). It is used in the manufacture of hydrochloric
acid, and therefore plays a part in digestion.
It is also great for the brain and may help
with depression and assist with memory and learning. In
children it is required for growth and has shown some indication
to assist in arthritis, cataracts as well as infertility.
Deficiency of vitamin B1
A deficiency will result in beriberi, and
minor deficiencies may be indicated with extreme fatigue,
irritability, constipation, edema and an enlarged liver.
Forgetfulness, gastrointestinal disturbances, heart changes,
irritability, labored breathing and loss of appetite may
also be experienced.
With too little thiamin around a person
may also experience nervousness, numbness of the hands and
feet, pain and sensitivity, poor coordination, tingling
sensations, weak and sore muscles, general weakness and
severe weight loss.
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
Riboflavin, or vitamin B2, is required by
the body to use oxygen and the metabolism of amino acids,
fatty acids, and carbohydrates. Riboflavin is further needed
to activate vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), helps to create niacin
and assists the adrenal gland. It may be used for red blood
cell formation, antibody production, cell respiration, and
growth.
It eases watery eye fatigue and may be helpful
in the prevention and treatment of cataracts. Vitamin B2
is required for the health of the mucus membranes in the
digestive tract and helps with the absorption of iron and
vitamin B6.
Although it is needed for periods of rapid growth, it is
also needed when protein intake is high, and is most beneficial
to the skin, hair and nails.
Deficiency of riboflavin
A shortage of this vitamin may manifest
itself as cracks and sores at the corners of the mouth,
eye disorders, inflammation of the mouth and tongue, and
skin lesions.
Dermatitis, dizziness, hair loss, insomnia, light sensitivity,
poor digestion, retarded growth, and slow mental responses
have also been reported. Burning feet can also be indicative
of a shortage.
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxoine)
Pyridoxine is required for the balancing
of hormonal changes in women as well as assisting the immune
system and the growth of new cells. It is also used in the
processing and metabolism of proteins, fats and carbohydrates,
while assisting with controlling your mood as well as your
behavior. Pyridoxine might also be of benefit for children
with learning difficulties, as well as assisting in the
prevention of dandruff, eczema and psoriasis.
It assists in the balancing of sodium and
potassium as well promotes red blood cell production. It
is further involved in the nucleic acids RNA as well as
DNA. It is further linked to cancer immunity and fights
the formation of the toxic chemical homocysteine, which
is detrimental to the heart muscle.
Women in particular may suffer from pre-menstrual
fluid retention, severe period pains, emotional PMS symptoms,
premenstrual acne and nausea in early pregnancy. Mood swings,
depression as well as loss of sexual drive is sometimes
noted when pyridoxine is in short supply and the person
is on hormone replacement therapy or on birth control pills.
Deficiency of vitamin B6
Irritability, nervousness and insomnia as
well as general weakness, skin changes such as dermatitis
and acne as well asthma and allergies might develop when
pyridoxine is in short supply. Symptoms may include nails
that are ridged, an inflamed tongue as well as changes to
your bones - which can include osteoporosis and arthritis.
Kidney stones may also appear.
Vitamin B6 deficiency symptoms will be very
much like those of B2 and B3. Vitamin B6 is needed by the
body to manufacture its own B3 vitamin.
Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide)
Vitamin B3 is required for cell respiration,
helps in the release of energy and metabolism of carbohydrates,
fats, and proteins, proper circulation and healthy skin,
functioning of the nervous system, and normal secretion
of bile and stomach fluids. It is used in the synthesis
of sex hormones, treating schizophrenia and other mental
illnesses, and a memory-enhancer.
Nicotinic acid (but not nicotinamide) given
in drug dosage improves the blood cholesterol profile, and
has been used to clear the body of organic poisons, such
as certain insecticides. People report more mental alertness
when this vitamin is in sufficient supply.
Deficiency of vitamin B3
A deficiency may cause pellagra, the classic
niacin deficiency disease, and is characterized by bilateral
dermatitis, diarrhea, and dementia.
A shortage of niacin may be indicated with symptoms such
as canker sores, depression, diarrhea, dizziness, fatigue,
halitosis, headaches, indigestion, insomnia, limb pains,
loss of appetite, low blood sugar, muscular weakness, skin
eruptions, and inflammation.
Vitamin B5 (Dexpanthenol)
Vitamin B5 plays an important role in the
secretion of hormones, such as cortisone because of the
role it plays in supporting the adrenal gland. These hormones
assist the metabolism, help to fight allergies and are beneficial
in the maintenance of healthy skin, muscles and nerves.
Pantothenic acid is also used in the release
of energy as well as the metabolism of fat, protein and
carbohydrates. It is used in the creation of lipids, neurotransmitters,
steroid hormones and hemoglobin.
Some are of the opinion that pantothenic acid is also helpful
to fight wrinkles as well as graying of the hair.
Deficiency of vitamin B5
With Vitamin B5 in short supply symptoms
like fatigue, headaches, nausea, tingling in the hands,
depression, personality changes and cardiac instability
have been reported.
Frequent infection, fatigue, abdominal pains, sleep disturbances
and neurological disorders including numbness, paresthesia
(abnormal sensation such as "burning feet" syndrome),
muscle weakness and cramps are also possible indications
that this nutrient is in short supply.
Biochemical changes include increased insulin
sensitivity, lowered blood cholesterol, decreased serum
potassium, and failure of adrenocorticotropin to induce
eosinopenia.
Vitamin E (d-alpha tocopheryl acetate)
Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant, protects
your cells from oxidation, and neutralizes unstable free
radicals, which can cause damage. This is done by the vitamin
E giving up one of its electrons to the electron deficient
free radical, making it more stable. While Vitamin E performs
its antioxidant functions, it also protects the other antioxidants
from being oxidized.
This antioxidant capability is then also
great in helping to prevent degenerative diseases - including
heart disease, strokes, arthritis, senility, diabetes and
cancer. It also assists in fighting heart disease and cancers
and is essential for red blood cells, helps with cellular
respiration and protects the body from pollution - especially
the lungs. Vitamin E is also useful in preventing blood
clots from forming and promotes fertility, reduces and/or
prevents hot flushes in menopause. An increase in stamina
and endurance is also attributed to
Vitamin E is also used topically to great
effect for skin treatments - in helping the skin look younger,
promoting healing and cutting down the risk of scar tissue
forming. Used on the skin it is also reported to help with
eczema, skin ulcers cold sores and shingles.
Deficiency of vitamin E
Deficiency of Vitamin E is not common, and
the symptoms not very clear cut, but may include fatigue,
inflamed varicose veins, wounds healing slowly, premature
aging and sub-fertility. When Vitamin E is in short supply
symptoms may include acne, anemia, muscle disease, dementia,
cancers, gallstones, shortened red blood cell life span,
spontaneous abortion (miscarriage), and uterine degeneration.
Vitamin B7 / Vitamin H (Biotin)
Biotin, as referred to as Vitamin H is part
of the Vitamin B complex group and might be interesting
to some people since one of the most visible symptoms of
shortage of this vitamin is thinning of hair which can lead
to total hair loss.
This does not mean that baldness is a sign
of Vitamin H in short supply - severe hair loss might just
be indicative of biotin being deficient.
Vitamin H is used in cell growth, the production
of fatty acids, metabolism of fats, and proteins. It plays
a role in the Kreb cycle, which is the process in which
energy is released from food.
Biotin is also indicated for healthy hair
and skin, healthy sweat glands, nerve tissue, and bone marrow,
and assisting with muscle pain.
Vitamin H not only assists in various metabolic chemical
conversions, but also helps with the transfer of carbon
dioxide. Biotin is also helpful in maintaining a steady
blood sugar level.
Deficiency of Biotin - vitamin H
Although a shortage of Biotin is very rare,
it can happen and may result in dry scaly skin, fatigue,
loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, mental depression
as well as tongue inflammation and high cholesterol.
Vitamin B9 (folic acid)
Folic acid is required for DNA synthesis
and cell growth and is important for red blood cell formation,
energy production as well as the forming of amino acids.
Folic acid is essential for creating heme, the iron containing
substance in hemoglobin, crucial for oxygen transport.
It is important for healthy cell division
and replication, since its involvement as coenzyme for RNA
and DNA synthesis. It is also required for protein metabolism
and in treating folic acid anemia. Folic acid also assists
in digestion, and the nervous system, and works at improving
mental as well as emotional health. This nutrient may be
effective in treating depression and anxiety.
Shortage of folic acid may be indicated
with diarrhea, heartburn and constipation.
Folic acid is very important in the development of the nervous
system of a developing fetus.
Deficiency of vitamin B9
A deficiency of folic acid on an unborn
baby may increase the risk of the baby being born with spina
bifida and other serious defects of the nervous system.
When deficient of folic acid, you might suffer from fatigue,
acne, a sore tongue, cracking at the corners of your mouth
(same as deficiency of vitamin B2, vitamin B6 as well as
iron). Long term deficiency may result in anemia and later
in osteoporosis, as well as cancer of the bowel and cervix.
Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin)
Cobolamin is needed in the manufacture of
red blood cells and the maintenance of red blood cells and
it stimulates appetite, promotes growth and release energy.
It is often used with older people to give an energy boost,
assist in preventing mental deterioration and helps with
speeding up thought processes. Some people are also of the
opinion that it helps with clearing up infections and provide
protection against allergies and cancer. This vitamin is
also used in the metabolism of fats, proteins and carbohydrates.
Deficiency of vitamin B12
Some symptoms of a deficiency will include
a sore tongue, weakness, fatigue, and weight loss, back
pain and apathy. It might further result in loss of balance,
decreased reflexes, tingling of the fingers, ringing in
the ears etc.
A deficiency may also result in the raising
of the level of homocysteine in the blood - which in high
doses can be toxic to the brain, which may be involved in
Alzheimer disease. Severe deficiency may result in pernicious
anemia also called Addisonian pernicious anemia.
Another problem that appears in deficiency
is the eroding of the myelin sheath - the fatty sheath of
tissue, which insulates the nerve fibers in your body.
Trace Minerals
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